– Europe cannot renege on its principles in protecting the rights of peoples

– Austria’s presidency of the European Union is an opportunity to take stricter positions towards the countries of the blockade

– The EU countries cannot continue to be silent and pursue a policy of “passive neutrality” towards the violations resulting from the blockade

– EU consultations with Qatar should be accompanied by European movements to protect human rights violated by the countries of the blockade

– Human rights should be a priority in any negotiations or economic and investment partnerships with the countries of the blockade

– It is unacceptable that human rights are secondary to any economic or political interests

– Members of the Austrian Parliament were shocked by the violation of human rights by the countries of the blockade under the pretext of a political dispute

Vienna: Friday 6 December 2018

The chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al-Marri, called on the EU countries to act vigorously and take stronger measures to put an end to the ongoing humanitarian tragedy caused by the unjust blockade imposed on Qatar 18 months ago. Austria’s current presidency of the European Union is an opportunity to take tougher positions towards the countries of the blockade, stressing that The EU countries cannot continue to be silent and pursue a policy of “passive neutrality” towards the violations resulting from the blockade against citizens and residents of the State of Qatar and deny its principles and commitment to the defense of human rights in various regions of the world. In the Austrian capital of Vienna, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee held a series of fruitful meetings with officials of the Human Rights Committee of Austrian Parliament and the Human Rights and Ethnic Minorities Department of the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

the Austrian parliamentarians are shocked by the serious dimensions of the Gulf crisis

The Austrian parliament witnessed a rich debate with the Human Rights Committee of the National Assembly (Austrian Parliament), which dealt with the issue of the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June 2017, during which Dr. Ali bin Smaikh Al-Marri gave a briefing on the latest human rights violations resulting from the blockade, including the separation between families of the Gulf countries and the denial of right to freedom of movement, treatment and property, and other basic rights, without excluding children and Women and the elderly, in flagrant violation of international conventions and human rights conventions. Al Marri handed over the members of the Commission on Human Rights of the European Parliament for copies of reports prepared by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights and periodic reports prepared by the National Human Rights Committee, documenting serious violations of the rights of thousands of citizens and residents of Qatar.

Al-Marri pointed out that the countries of the blockade continue to ignore the international calls of governments and human rights organizations to put an end to the blockade and an end to the punitive measures of the peoples of the Gulf. He pointed out in this context the UAE violations of the decisions of the International Court of Justice.

The chairman of the National Human Rights committee called on the members of the Austrian Parliament to act vigorously to end the unjust blockade and the resulting human rights violations. The members of the Human Rights Committee of the European Parliament expressed great interest in learning about the repercussions of the blockade imposed on Qatar and the resulting grave violations of human rights, stressing that they were “shocked” by the serious humanitarian dimensions of the Gulf crisis and by the ” Which found no embarrassment in imposing punitive measures against civilians, deprived of their most important human rights under the pretext of a political dispute with the State of Qatar.

The moral responsibility of Austria, the Presidency of the Council of the European Union

On the other hand, during his meeting with officials of the Department of Human Rights and Ethnic Minority Affairs at the Austrian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee appreciated the positions expressed by Austria since the beginning of the crisis and called for dialogue to resolve the Gulf crisis. Speaking to Foreign Ministry officials, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri said, “While we appreciate Austria’s position and its strong defense of human rights, we are confident that its presidency of the current session of the European Union can contribute more closely and effectively to persuading the EU countries to make more powerful decisions to pressure on the countries of the blockade, to respect human rights, regardless of the political dimensions of the Gulf crisis. “The countries of the European Union, which have consistently affirmed their commitment to the principle of defending human rights around the world, cannot continue to be silent when it comes to serious violations of human rights that have – and continue to – violate the rights of thousands of citizens And residents of Qatar and the countries of the blockade, pointing out that the forthcoming dialogue between the Qatari government and the European Union on human rights issues next year is an important step that should be accompanied by European movements towards protecting human rights violated by the blockade imposed on Qatar; while calling on the countries of the Union to hold similar meetings with the blockading countries to question about their human rights violations.

– Deterrent measures must be taken to end the obstacles faced by UAE nationals and residents in Qatar

– The UAE has not yet fully complied with the ICJ’s decision

– we Call on the United Nations to take strict measures to ensure that the UAE complies with the precautionary decision of the International Labor Court

– The countries of the blockade are still ignoring the UN resolutions

– we Call on the High Commissioner to hold the Saudi authorities accountable for the fate of Qataris who have been forcibly disappeared

Geneva: Wednesday, 5 December 2018

Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, met with Ms. Michelle Bachelet, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in Geneva on Thursday and stated that a comprehensive report shall be published next month documenting the violations of the decisions of the International Court of Justice and human rights of citizens and residents of Qatar, despite the UAE authorities’ formal commitment to implement the decisions of the International Court of Justice. Al Marri called for effective and prompt action by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and various United Nations mechanisms, to take deterrent measures to put an end to violations by the UAE and to ensure full compliance with international conventions and recommendations and to implement the precautionary decision of the International Court of Justice on stopping discriminatory measures against citizens and residents of Qatar .

This came during Dr. Al Marri’s meeting with Ms. Michel Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, at the Organization’s headquarters in Geneva, three months after the appointment of the former High Commissioner for Human Rights at the end of last August .

Al-Marri congratulates Bachelet and praises the path of the High Commission

At the beginning of the meeting, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri congratulated Ms. Michel Bachelet on her assumption of her new post , and affirmed the readiness of the National Human Rights Committee to cooperate with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and The United Nations Human Rights Council, to defend human rights issues regionally and internationally.

Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh praised “the prominent and effective role of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in addressing the serious violations caused by the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June 2017, through its reports and numerous correspondence to the countries of the blockade, demanding its cessation of violations of human rights, condemning the violations of the blockade, and calling for their cessation. Al Marri also noted that “the NHRC is ready to continue cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights under the chairmanship of Ms. Michel Bachelet to push for urgent and effective solutions to stop the suffering of thousands of families.”

Follow up the implementation of the technical mission’s decisions

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights called on the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to take action to ensure that the blockading states comply with the findings of the technical mission of the High Commissioner following her visit to Doha in November 2017. Al Marri stated that “Despite warnings from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights of the continuing violations, 11 special rapporteurs of the United Nations Human Rights Council and the working Group on Arbitrary Detention have sent letters to the these states urging them to end their violations and discriminatory measures against citizens and residents of Qatar, the four countries continue to ignore the resolutions of the United Nations and the international community, and human rights organizations. “We are fully confident that the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the international community and all governments of the world are committed to respect human rights,” said Bachelet. In this context, we call on the High Commission to address the countries of the blockaded and to impose stronger pressure to compel them to abide by the resolutions of the United Nations. ”

Violations of Emiratis and preventing Qatari nationals from entering its territory

On the other hand, Dr. Ali Bin Smaikh Al Marri said that the National Human Rights Committee will publish a comprehensive report next month, documenting the various violations of the UAE’s precautionary decisions of the International Court of Justice on the cessation of discriminatory measures against citizens and residents of the State of Qatar, pointing out that “the UAE has not yet fully complied with the decision of the International Court of Justice. We have received many complaints in the National Human Rights Committee about the cases of prevention, harassment and obstacles faced by Qatari citizens.”

Saudi Arabia’s accountability for the fate of Qataris detained in Riyadh

In his meeting with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, addressed the issue of the four Qatari nationals who are still subject to enforced disappearance and arbitrary detention by the Saudi authorities, and called on the High Commissioner for Human Rights to hold the Saudi authorities accountable. Al Marri also expressed his concern about the suffering of the citizens of Qatar, in the absence of any information about their whereabouts today, despite all the calls made by the families of the detainees and the movements of the National Human Rights Committee of the relevant UN mechanisms.”\

The National Human Rights Committee has provided all the information requested by the relevant UN mechanisms on the identity of Qatari nationals, victims of forced and arbitrary detention,” said Dr. Al Marri.

Al Marri concluded by stressing that “the National Human Rights Committee holds the Saudi authorities full legal responsibility for the fate of the four citizens of Qatar, and the potential psychological and physical damage. The National Committee will not remain silent and will continue its actions and take all legal and judicial measures until the release of the four Qatari citizens. At the end of the meeting, Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri gave the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the NHRC reports on violations in a year and a half of the blockade.

French media highlighted the meeting between Dr. Ali Ben Smaikh Al Marri, Chairman of the National Human Rights committee and Ms. Michelle Bachelet, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.

The French daily newspaper, “Le Figaro”, published an article on the first meeting of its kind between Dr. Ali Ben Smaikh and Ms. Bachelet since she came into office a few months ago, entitled “The Humanitarian Consequences of Qatar’s Blockade”. “If the blockade imposed on Qatar 18 months ago has diplomatic and economic effects, another aspect of this crisis takes on a more serious dimension, the humanitarian crisis. It is the stakes and the issue that will be discussed at the meeting in Geneva between the chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, Dr. Ali Ben Smaikh Al Marri, and Ms. Michel Bachelet, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, in Geneva, Switzerland. The parties will address such issues as the right to treatment, the right to residence, the right to education and other rights that should be guaranteed to Qatari citizens and residents of Qatar ” Le Figaro stated.

Doha
Saturday, December 1, 2018

The NHRC participates in the 29th edition of the Doha International Book Fair with a rich booth presenting its most prominent publications in the field of spreading the culture of human rights within the Qatari society, as well as reports and publications that reflect the efforts and moves of the NHRC in the face of the blockade imposed on Qatar. In the field of protecting human rights in Qatar and elsewhere.

Ms. Mariam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Secretary General of the NHRC, said: “The National Human Rights Committee is always keen to participate in various important national, regional and international events concerned with protecting and defending human rights particularly among Qatari society. From this perspective, our participation in the Doha International Book Fair is an important cultural and intellectual platform for spreading awareness and education in the field of human rights protection among the various segments of society that the book fair is intended to represent as a prominent cultural event, Thousands of citizens, residents and guests are coming to attend the most prominent cultural event in the State of Qatar. We at the National Human Rights Committee attach great importance to the Doha International Book Fair and will be featured in this year’s edition, through a huge booth, strategically located at the International Exhibition Center, which includes more than 200 books and educational publications on human rights issues , Brochures and stories for the children, parents and various segments of society to educate and raise awareness of the rights and duties included in international conventions. The booth will also include the reports and publications of the National Human Rights Committee on the human rights situation within the State of Qatar and highlights the achievements and moves of the National Human Rights committee locally, regionally and internationally. ”

Ms. Mariam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah noted that the NHRC decided to focus its participation in the Doha International Book Fair this year on the publication and reports on the efforts of the State of Qatar and the National Committee in the face of the blockade imposed on Qatar since 5 June. 2017, pointing out that the National Human Rights Committee’s booth will include a visual presentation that includes the most important rights enshrined in the international charters and the UN Charter. The latest statistics on violations of the 12 fundamental human rights resulting from the blockade by the blockading states. “In order to reach out to the public at the Book Fair and to spread the culture of human rights, there will be a legal specialist at the NHRC’s booth throughout the exhibition to communicate with the public and provide various legal advice that may be requested by our visitors.”

November 29, 2018

Mr. Sultan Bin Hassan Al-Jamali, Assistant Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee, met with Mr. David L. Phillips is currently Director of the Program on Peace-building and Rights at Columbia University’s Institute for the Study of Human Rights, based in the United States of America. During the meeting, Al-Jamali introduced the work of the NHRC, including its vision and mission and stressed that the State of Qatar is making significant progress, especially after the recent legal reforms related to the Qatari Labor Law, along with other new legislation related to the country’s ratification of international agreements. “We expect the State of Qatar to do more work in all areas of human rights,” Al Jamali said.

For his part, Mr. Philips presented an introductory profile on the University of Columbia as the largest university specializing in peace and human rights studies in the United States of America. At the same time, he expressed his desire to deepen cooperation in the field of human rights and peace with the NHRC through the possibility of concluding a memorandum of understanding between the two sides as well as nominating a representative of civil society in Qatar to the fellowship program launched by Colombia university to raise capacities of Human Rights advocates.

November 25, 2018

– States of the blockade practiced the most severe violations and violence against Qatari and Gulf women

– Thousands of women are deprived of their right to reunite their children and their husbands, under the pretext of political differences!

– Compelling women to leave their spouses and children forcibly is the most serious and egregious violation

– Some Governments and international organizations remain silent, or are content to be complacent about the violence of the countries of the blockade against women

Doha:

Ms. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Committee, called on the international community and international human rights institutions to take effective and strong measures to end the violence against Qatari and Gulf women. forcibly separating women from their husbands and children by the countries of the blockade, is the most serious and gross violation of women’s rights.

In a speech marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, Ms. Mariam Bint Abdullah Al-Attiyah said in a press statement: “While the international community is making vigorous efforts; many conventions and laws that protect women from violence against them have resulted in Women in Qatar and the Gulf States celebrate the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women while they are subjected to the most severe forms of moral, psychological and physical violence against thousands of women in Qatar and the countries of the blockade itself, as a result of an unjust blockade that violates the human rights guaranteed by religions, Depriving many women of their right to be with their children and their husbands, on the pretext of political disputes! “.

“It is very regrettable that governments and international organizations have been silent, or are content to be complacent about the violence resulting from an unjust blockade, that has made women victims of serious violations of the blockade, which has, and continues to deprive many mothers and in Qatar and the countries of the blockade to exercise their right to reunite with their families and force many of them to be separate from their husbands and children forcibly, in addition to students who have been deprived of completing their education in the blockading countries and many women and girls who have been denied access to treatment, due to the arbitrary and unjust measures imposed by the blockading countries, as it represents a flagrant violation of international laws and charters of human rights.

Commitment to fight violence and defend women’s rights

Mrs. Mariam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah stressed that the NHRC will continue to strive to combat all forms of violence against women, while at the same time emphasizing the steps taken by the Qatari government to protect women from various forms of violence, including the ratification to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women in 2009 and its keenness to provide family support services, and the establishment of the Qatar Foundation for the Protection of Children and Women, the Family Counseling Center, and other social institutions concerned with the protection of Qatari and Qatari women’s rights in Qatar .

Al Attiyah referred to the promulgation of the Family Code in 2006, the Law on the establishment of family courts and the procedures for litigation before them, as well as a continuous review of national legislation and the amendment of some of its provisions to provide maximum protection for members of society; this is in addition to the promulgation of Law No. 15 of 2017 on regulating the rights of domestic workers including working hours, weekly holidays and means to protect women workers from violence.

“The observance of the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is yet another opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to the defend and protect women’s rights. In its recommendations and reports, the National Human Rights Committee recommends that the Qatari government continues to develop and protect women’s rights and address all shortcomings that may impede women’s participation in and contribution to the development of society, in our belief in the fundamental role of women in the success of any civilizational project”, Al Attiyah added.

NHRC’s role to counter Violence

“The National Human Rights Committee is a quasi-judicial body, in accordance with international standards, whose mission is to receive complaints and grievances and to find solutions to it, including women subjected to violence. The NHRC is keen to prevent the spread of violence in society through proactive steps, including organizing educational and awareness workshops in schools, universities and health care centers, as well as places of detention. The NHRC also conduct field studies to monitor the awareness of various groups of society about the seriousness of the phenomenon of violence, such as a survey of 1,000 male and female citizens on the provisions of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women, The results reflected the awareness among the groups of society, and their rejection of violence against women and violence of all kinds.

Achievements of Qatari women ..

“Celebrating the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women is also an occasion to advocate for the achievements made by Qatari women, especially in the field of education, and holding the highest posts such as the appointment of four women – For the first time – as members of the Shura Council, and the appointment of a spokeperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Qatari government has taken a positive step towards the appointment of four women to the Shura Council, with the Emiri Decree No. 22 of 2017, which included the appointment of four Qatari women as members of the council,” Al attiyah said.

“In education, Qatar has achieved the principle of equal access to primary and secondary education, as well as social security. The compulsory education law has contributed to higher enrollment rates in primary education, which is an indicator of equal opportunities for male and female enrollment in schools, according to Qatar’s fourth Human Development Report. Qatari women also have full freedom to participate in cultural life and sports, to attend and participate in all artistic and sporting events, and to receive full support and encouragement,” concluded the Secretary-General of the National Human Rights Committee.

Doha

The International Labor Organization (FIFA) and the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA) hailed the reforms adopted by the State of Qatar to protect human rights and migrant workers during an open session of the European Parliament, which discussed the importance of respecting human rights standards and laws during the organization of major sporting events.

The representatives of ILO and FIFA said that Qatar has made striking and significant changes in recent years to ensure respect for the rights of all workers in Qatar, not only the workers in the World Cup facilities, and the highest standards of safety and security during the construction of the 2022 stadiums. Including the abolition of the sponsorship law and the law on the regulation of entry and exit of expatriates, including the cancellation of the requirement to issue an exit document to allow the travel of expatriates.

“I would like to dedicate these minutes to my presentation on the latest developments in the State of Qatar, which are already a model for development,” said Ms. Beate Andrees, Chief of the Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work Branch of the ILO Governance and Tripartism Department. “Many of you may know that the ILO is present in Qatar to encourage the development of workers’ rights in this country, and we have started our work there by following up the conditions of the workers, their places of residence, their working conditions, their access to the appropriate health services, In accordance with international law and ILO standards, and after several years of discussions, particularly in 2017, we have made substantial progress with the State of Qatar by signing a comprehensive program of technical cooperation between the ILO and Qatar. The Qatari government is keen to emphasize that it is not only concerned with the workers working in construction projects related to the Qatar 2022 World Cup. It is also concerned with all workers, whether Qataris or expatriate workers working in the stadiums, Hotels and various other fields. I think we should highlight the importance of this change for us, as it is part of our concern to establish a long-term system that benefits all migrant workers in Qatar,” Ms. Beate Andrees concluded.

“This is the first time that fundamental attention has been given to the need to respect human rights standards and laws in the organization of sporting events, and be included in the terms of the agreements signed by FIFA on the organization of major sporting events. In Qatar, we worked closely with the Higher Committee for Heritage and Projects in the State of Qatar to follow up on the completion of the infrastructure and the World Cup stadiums in Qatar,” Mr. Federico Adeishi, Director of the Department of Sustainable Development and Diversity of the International Federation of Football (FIFA) Major sports said. He added “I am sure you have seen over the past few months that Qatar has adopted some reforms to change labor laws, in coordination with the International Labor Organization. We are very pleased to see that this development which- according to many experts – would not have been possible without shedding light on the organization of the FIFA World Cup, and this change now supports our efforts to ensure respect for human rights and workers’ rights. The FIFA has confirmed for years that it has a responsibility to ensure that the highest standards are respected in the facilities of the World Cup. said Federico. “We have been working for years on the implementation of FIFA’s strategy to prepare for the 2022 World Cup, a strategy in cooperation with the local organizing committees and the Higher Committee for Heritage and Projects, a strategy based on respect for human rights standards,” he concluded.

November 20, 2018

The NHRC received at its headquarters students of the Faculty of Law – Qatar University. The committee presented two introductory lectures about the functions and competences of the National Human Rights Committee in general and the functions of the legal department of the committee in particular. The first lecture dealt with the establishment of the committee, its vision, its specialties and its international accreditation, in addition to its functions of protecting, monitoring and spreading awareness of the human rights culture in Qatar.

Mr. Abdullah Al Kaabi, Director of the Department of Legal Affairs, presented the second lecture describing how the department deals with complaints and petitions in addition to the internal regulations at the committee level. Al-Kaabi explained the working methods of the Legal Department through its administrative structure, pointing out that the reception and registration section is specialized in receiving cases, and submitting it to the concerned legal officer in the investigations department. Al Kaabi also talked about community offices (Nepal, Philippine, India and Africa) that provide assistance to applicants in filling in the application forms, meet the requirements for submission and provide translation work. With regard to the Investigation and Legal Consultation section, it is concerned with investigating the complaints, taking the necessary action including the possibility of reconciliation and contacting the competent authorities in the event of the failure of reconciliation and referral to the competent court and provide legal assistance, in addition to conducting field visits. The legislation and international agreements section deals with the study of human rights legislation and commenting on them in line with the human rights conventions and provisions.

Al-Kaabi explained that the Department of Legal Affairs carries out many of the internal activities listed in accordance with the strategic plan of the NHRC for 2018. In addition, it carried out 116 field visits as of November 2018 through the Monitoring and Visits Committee. The Director of the Legal Department also stated that the Department is also responsible for preparing the reports of the Committee and the reports on the violations of the blockade, including the general reports and specialized reports on the violations of the right to practice religious rituals, education, property, food and medicine. In addition to the annual reports issued by the Committee on the situation of human rights in the State of Qatar.

November 12, 2018

Mr. Maryam Bint Abdullah Al Attiyah, Secretary General of the National Human Rights Committee, opened the celebration of the Qatari human rights day with a speech highlighting that “this celebration reaffirms the concern of the leadership and people of Qatar for human rights and fosters its engagement in international and regional efforts to protect and promote human rights through the State’s commitment foremost at the national level, and its full conviction of this choice in the area of national development at the social and economic level.

Al Attiyah added: ” Since its foundation, the State of Qatar has an obligation to respect universal values of human rights which laid the foundation for the economic advancement. This has been reflected positively on the Qatari society through the promotion of human rights and the empowerment of citizens without discrimination on the basis of gender, race or any other specified bases. Qatar’s National Development Strategy (2018-2022) implies that the social development strategy is rights-based and people-centered and is based on the directives of the wise leadership and the aspirations of Qatar National Vision. The accession of the State of Qatar to many international covenants and conventions, including the accession to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic and Social Rights, has been reflected positively on Qatar’s national strategies, policies and laws, most notably the Qatar National Vision 2030, which included a package of human rights-based reforms and a policy of gradual transition from a social service-based approach that guarantees citizens’ rights to an enabling approach that encourages active citizenship and public participation. Qatar has become a leading human rights country in a short time. This is reflected in the implementation of its international obligations and its firm positions on regional human rights issues. The Working Group on the Universal Periodic Review of the Human Rights Council commended the rule of law and the presence of institutions that maintain human rights in the State of Qatar. The National Human Rights Committee is one of the leading institutions working in parallel with the Government to protect and promote human rights in the State of Qatar. It also monitors the commitment of the Qatari Government to fulfill its human rights obligations under international and regional treaties.”

Art exhibition addressing the violations resulting from the blockade

Al Attiyah added: In this context and In accordance with article 3 of Decree-Law No. 17 of 2010, which set the competencies and duties of the Committee including “To raise awareness on human rights and freedoms, to entrench human rights culture, and to consolidate human rights principles on both the intellectual and the practical levels”, the National Human rights Committee organizes an art exhibition under title is “The Qatari Day for Human Rights”, in cooperation with Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station on the occasion of the Qatari Human Rights Day. The exhibition includes artworks that represent a unique combination of fine arts and human rights related issues including children’s rights, women’s rights, freedom of opinion and expression and even the repercussions of the unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar.”

Mr. Khalifa Al-Obaidli, Director of Qatar Museums’ (QM) Fire Station Artists in Residence stated that “We gather today to celebrate the Qatari Human Rights Day with you and with a group of Qatari and local artists, and to celebrate the opening of the Art exhibition held on various topics related to the security and stability of humanity on our planet, which reflects our awareness and commitment to human rights principles towards all nationalities and races. I have been with the artists for the past two weeks though which I have followed the development of their works and the way they expressed their ideas in their artworks on display in the exhibition. I am pleased to say that the dialogue between the artists and the discussions about the development of their artworks reflects the awareness and commitment of artists in Qatar and their influential role In the community.”

In conclusion, Al-Obaidli extended thanks and appreciation to the National Human Rights Committee for the orientation and interest in the participation of artists in this celebration and spreading their message through art.

– We discussed cooperation and concluding a bilateral partnership to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism and protect human rights

– Terrorist Lists declared by the blockading countries sought to discredit Qatar and restrict the work of charity organizations and human rights advocates and journalists

– Al-Marri briefed Mrs. Fionolay on the efforts of the National Human Rights Committee in supporting efforts of combating terrorism and protecting human rights

Doha: November 3, 2018

Dr. Ali bin Samikh Al-Marri, chairman of the National Human Rights Committee, called on the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms in the context of combating terrorism to take urgent action to find the whereabouts of the four Qatari nationals detained by the Saudi authorities and demand their immediate release. This came during a meeting with Ms. Fionola Delean, UN Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism, on the sidelines of her visit to Doha to participate in a conference to address the issue of returnees from terrorist areas.

During the meeting, Dr. Ali Bin Samikh Al-Marri briefed the efforts of the National Human Rights Committee to counter terrorism and protect human rights, and the outcomes of the recommendations of the international conference held by the National Human Rights Committee in cooperation with the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights on Confronting Conflict in the Arab Region, held during the period from 20 to 21 February 2017, and the International Conference on the Challenges of Security and Human Rights in the Arab Region, held from 5 to 6 November 2014, in cooperation with the General Secretariat of the Council of Arab Ministers of the Interior, the League of Arab States, and the Arab Network of National Human Rights Institutions, and attended by more than 300 organizations and prominent figures and representatives of the Interior and Justice Ministries.

Al Marri briefed Ms. Fionola about the repercussions of the unjust blockade imposed on the State of Qatar since 5 June 2017, and the serious violations of human rights, as documented by the report of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, and handed over copies of the annual reports of the National Human Rights Committee and the general report on the blockade imposed of Qatar.

Dr. Ali Bin Smeikh addressed the issue of the four Qatari nationals detained by the Saudi authorities, who are victims of arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances, calling for urgent action to know the fate of the detained Qatari nationals and pressure on the Saudi authorities to release them immediately, stressing that the fate of the four citizens is still unknown since their arrest by the Saudi authorities in arbitrary and unfair ways, pointing at the same time the efforts and moves made by the National Human Rights Committee to try to obtain information about them and demand the international community to pressure the Saudi authorities to reveal Their fate.

Dr. Al Marri also discussed with Ms. Fionola the issue of the terrorist lists declared by the countries of blockade which classify a number of institutions, personalities and humanitarian organizations in Qatar, along with human rights activists, journalists as terrorists, without any legal basis or argument, stressing that these lists aimed at discrediting the State of Qatar and attempts to level accusations of terrorism against Qatar, as well as the efforts of the blockading countries to strike at the charitable humanitarian work carried out by the State of Qatar and Qatari humanitarian organizations throughout the world.

On the other hand, Al Marri discussed during the meeting possible aspects of cooperation and a partnership to coordinate efforts to combat terrorism and protect human rights between the National Human Rights Committee and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms while countering terrorism.